On 13 October, the GSMA EMF Forum will return to Brussels for its 15th edition, after starting in 2010. As we prepare for the Forum, it is a good opportunity to reflect on just how much has changed in the world of electromagnetic fields (EMF) over the past decade and a half — and on the important areas of continuity that remain.
In 2010, the newest mobile technology was 4G (or LTE), commercially launched less than 12 months earlier. Today, 5G is a reality in many countries, while 6G is increasingly coming into focus in standardisation and research discussions. This year’s EMF Forum will continue its long-standing practice of sharing knowledge on the evolution of mobile technologies and what the next generation of connectivity could mean.
The Forum has also followed the evolution of the scientific evidence throughout its history. At the first GSMA EMF Forum, participants discussed what to expect from the IARC classification meeting for RF scheduled for May 2011. Fifteen years later, we will hear from the Chair of the WHO Task Group on Radiofrequency Fields and Health Risks, who will provide a progress update on the eagerly anticipated WHO report.
While technology and scientific research continue to evolve, an important point of continuity remains. The consensus among experts is that high-quality scientific evidence supports the international EMF exposure guidelines developed by ICNIRP as protective against all established health hazards.
At this year’s Forum, speakers will explore the latest scientific evidence, including current research from the EU-supported NextGEM project. We will also look back at what two decades of research monitoring can tell us, with insights from the EMF-Portal hosted by the Aachen University.
The policy landscape has also evolved. I am pleased to see a growing trend toward greater international harmonisation of EMF policy, although the journey is not always smooth. Practical lessons from policy implementation in Greece, the Netherlands and the UK will provide valuable insights into how countries are navigating the challenges and opportunities of translating scientific evidence into effective policy.
Each time, the EMF Forum steering group identifies experts from governments, industry and the scientific community to share their knowledge. My thanks go to this year’s speakers, as well as to everyone who has contributed to the fourteen Forums that came before it.
The EMF Forum was established to support information sharing and dialogue among key stakeholders. Fifteen years on, that need remains as important as ever. As technology evolves, scientific research progresses, and policy frameworks continue to develop, open and evidence-based dialogue remains essential.
I look forward to welcoming both familiar and new faces to Brussels in October, alongside our remote participants joining the conversation from around the world.
Join us on 13 October for the 15th GSMA EMF Forum as we reflect on 15 years of progress and look ahead to the future of EMF science, technology and policy.